The Jordaan

The huge influx of refugees at the beginning of the 17th century caused Amsterdam to burst at the seams. This resulted in a large-scale expansion of the famous "canal belt". On the western side of the city a working class neighborhood called the "Jordan" was built. Until the seventies of the last century the Jordan was known for its concentration of craftsmen and small artesanal shops.
Today the Jordan is a popular residential area with a high concentration of studios, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Every Saturday morning there’s a farmer’s market at the “Noordermarkt” and the whole Saturday a street market on the adjacent Lindengracht.
On the edge of the Jordaan you’ll find the “Westerkerk” (Western Church) and the Anne Frank House.